Computer Training for Speech Recognition

A microphone or headset is required to use voice recognition software.

Speech recognition software is able to detect speech right out of the box. However, to increase accuracy, a user must "train" the software to better recognize his voice and correctly dictate his voice.

Long Texts

To being training, the user is asked to read several long texts. These texts typically have a wide range of words and phonetically diverse syllables. This allows the computer to listen to the user saying many common sounds.

Shorter Texts

After the initial reading of the longer texts, shorter texts are used to fine-tune the computer's comprehension of the user's voice and speaking style. These may be as short as a few phrases or single words.

Fine Tuning

Most speech recognition programs allow users to add custom words that are not in the program's vocabulary. This is especially important for users who use a lot of profession-specific jargon or acronyms during dictation.

Profile Backup

Completing speech recognition training can take several hours. It's important to back up the files that pertain to the training process. Most software programs have an easy way to do this. It's also important to have a backup if another user incorrectly uses another person's speech profile and it affects the program's accuracy.

References

• Landmark College: Training Voice Recognition Software
• California Community Colleges: Dragon Naturally Speaking Advanced Training
• Stanford: Just How Practical IS Speech Recognition Software?